Chapter Summary

Women of Moab anticipate the Davidic Kingdom and lament the pride of Moab.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 16

1. Isaiah 16:1-2 refers to people in Moab fleeing to Judah for safety. How are the people in Judah suppose to react? How should God's people react to the outcasts?
2. Isaiah 16:1 is in reference to a time when the King of Moab gave a tribute of sheep to the King of Israel. What is the significance of the weaker nation giving a tribute to the richer? Describe the current relationships between richer and poorer countries in the current time period. If it has changed, why?
3. What is the lesson to learn from the fall of the countries mentioned in Isaiah 14-16? Why is it important for a Christian to learn the lesson?
4. Moabites fleeing in Isaiah are compared to birds leaving the nest. Describe a bird when it leaves the nest the first time. How are the refugees fleeing Moab in Isaiah 16 similar to a bird leaving the nest? A similar description is made when a child leaves their parent's home for the first time. How are we like a bird leaving the nest for the first time? How are we able to overcome our obstacles?
5. Isaiah 16:5 is a description of the future Messiah's rule and as a hope for Moab. How does Jesus the Messiah give hope to all countries, not only Israel?
6. Isaiah 16:1-5 is actually a plea from Moab to Judah. Beginning in verse 6 we see the total destruction of Moab. Why didn't Judah try to salvage the land of Moab? Should God's people always show compassion on weaker lands or people?
7. Isaiah 16:12 refer to the Moabites praying in a high place. Moab's worship of a false god was not beneficial to them. If Moab were to worship the true God of Israel at this point, would their country be saved? Does God always redeem or save a land after repentance? Why or why not?
8. Isaiah 16:14 mentions as the time of a hired worker. If you think of a hired worker it is someone that is watching the time their shift is over to go home. What does this illustrate of the upcoming destruction of Moab? How should people treat this time period in relationship to the land of Moab?
9. Is the delay of Moab's destruction an illustration God's mercy or of His judgement? Why?
10. Ruth, (Book of Ruth) King David's grandmother was a Moabite and David himself flees to Moab for a time of safety. Even though Moab played a significant role in establishing the Kingdom of Israel, why does God allow it to be destroyed?

Key Words/Phrase

Stricken, v. 7.

Characters

God.

Strong Verse(s)

5